Many friends will recommend massage andbodywork for chronic pain sufferers. Maybe you have hadseveral massages in the past. Sometimes, massage can be painful. Youmight feel sore for days.
These are all experiences I have had. I'vesince come up with ways to make massage more effective for people with chronicpain. Theseideas are something I take into consideration as a massage therapist when Iwork with clients who suffer from chronic pain.
- I
t is better to be less than you think.
- When you are dealing with chronic pain, less pressure is better.This will not be the case for someone who needs help with immediate, situational pain.
A massage therapist should be able to work gently and not need to treat all your aches and problems in the first 60 minutes. You don't need deep tissue massage to relax. Instead, you can ask for a relaxation or "Swedish” massage. It can do as much, or even more, than deep pressure.
It is particularly useful to
- Find a massage therapist who is trained in chronic pain managementThey will understand your problems best. T
his search can be used as a guideline, although you might want to refine it to your area. If you are looking for a long-term therapist,Ask them how many of their clients suffer from chronic pain.. It is very different to massage chronic pain vs. acute. If you can find a therapist who treats patients suffering from chronic pain at least half of their practice, then you are on the right track.
You may even want to ask others.
- Seek out a massage therapist that also deals with chronic pain.. Al
though this won't appear in a directory of therapists, friends and family may have information. If the person who is giving the massage has had to deal with chronic pain themselves, they will often have a different perspective.
You must be willing to
- Try different types of massages than you have always tried.. One of the types that I use is myofascial release. Make sure you find someone who practices it"" is a gentler version of the work. This bodywork is also a specialty of occupational and physical therapists. If your doctor will give you a prescription, insurance may cover it.
Do not be afraid to
- Ask for special accommodations during your massage. One
example is that I have clients who find it difficult to turn their stomach to the back. Because it is easier to turn backwards from the belly to the back, they switch to their backs. If heat makes you feel looser on the table, ask for it. Some people feel more uncomfortable if there is too much heat. So request a cooler table. If it means that you receive the help you require, there is no need to be too specific.
Look for a massage therapist who is located close to your home.
- . Altho
ugh it sounds absurd, you shouldn't drive for too long if you have already relaxed.
Great communication is key to a greatmassage. Livingwith chronic pain makes this even more crucial. Make sure you are open toasking your therapist questions.YouYou are the most important person inthe treatment room. Youcan trust your therapist to clarify what you need.
